HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1242


This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported by House Committee On:
Health Care & Wellness

Title: An act relating to a voluntary Adult Family Home certification program.

Brief Description: Creating a voluntary Adult Family Home certification program.

Sponsors: Representatives Morrell, Hinkle, Cody, Takko, Curtis, Blake, Campbell, Green, Alexander, Moeller, Wallace, Roberts, Conway, Kenney, Ormsby, Darneille, Simpson, McDonald and Schual-Berke.

Brief History:

Health Care & Wellness: 1/25/07, 2/5/07 [DPS].

Brief Summary of Substitute Bill
  • Adult Family Home may participate in a voluntary Adult Family Home certification program through the University of Washington Geriatric Education Center.


HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH CARE & WELLNESS

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 12 members: Representatives Cody, Chair; Morrell, Vice Chair; Hinkle, Ranking Minority Member; Alexander, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Barlow, Campbell, Condotta, Green, Moeller, Pedersen, Schual-Berke and Seaquist.

Staff: Dave Knutson (786-7146).

Background:

Adult Family Home providers currently are required to complete a department-approved basic training and continuing education training. For providers who were licensed after September 1, 2001, they must complete at least 320 hours of successful, direct caregiving experience obtained after 18 years of age. For providers applying for a license after January 1, 2007, they must complete a department-approved 48 hour Adult Family Home administration and business planning class.


Summary of Substitute Bill:

In addition to existing minium requirements for Adult Family Home providers, Adult Family Homes may participate in a voluntary Adult Family Home certification program through the University of Washington Geriatric Education Center. The voluntary Adult Family Home certification program will include 52 hours of class requirements covering physical and mental health conditions that can be prevented, postponed, or alleviated by health promotion activities. Individuals successfully completing the voluntary Adult Family Home program will be issued a certified Adult Family Home license by the Department of Social and Health Services.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The requirement that the Department of Social and Health Services establishes a voluntary Adult Family Home certification program at the University of Washington is deleted. Adult Family Homes may voluntarily participate in the certification program established by the Geriatric Education Center at the University of Washington.


Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This will improve the quality of care provided to residents of Adult Family Homes.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Morrell, prime sponsor.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.